I'm happy with the Sarich signing. we need his toughness and he had solid chemistry with Brodie.

I'm ok with the Stempniak signing, but not ecstatic. Of all our forward UFAs he was the one guy who would "play the right way". He's a streaky player points wise, but when he's not scoring he's not a defensive liability. That said I would have rather gone after someone like Tootoo/Burish for the 3rd line RW role. Who knows maybe Nemisz might outplay him in camp, making his 2 year term too long.

As far as Wideman goes, I'm taking the wait and see approach. His defense is suspect, but I don't believe it's as bad as the caps fans are saying. He'll probably do fine when paired with Gio or Bouw, who are both quite solid in there own end.

Looking at Feaster's signings, it is quite clear that he wants to have 3 scoring lines.

I would rather a tougher 3rd line but hopefully Bartschi-Backlund-Stempniak can put up some points. The best part about Stemps is he is a good teacher imo. He's always doing things right when he's on the ice, however sometimes his offense dries up.

I have to say, even though this lineup could get into the POs, I just don't see them having much success if they do. Not enough size to compete with the bigger, stronger teams in the West.

Looking at Feaster's signings, it is quite clear that he wants to have 3 scoring lines.

I would rather a tougher 3rd line but hopefully Bartschi-Backlund-Stempniak can put up some points. The best part about Stemps is he is a good teacher imo. He's always doing things right when he's on the ice, however sometimes his offense dries up.

I have to say, even though this lineup could get into the POs, I just don't see them having much success if they do. Not enough size to compete with the bigger, stronger teams in the West.

This is my thinking too.

You pretty much have the exact same lines that I do. Except I have an awful feeling that Backlund might be the odd man out.

I hope Babchuk and Stajan are one their way out. Hopefully we can nab a nice 4th line C with one of them. A guy like McClement or Konopka would have been perfect.

3 scoring lines might not be bad on paper, but really could have used a Wheeler-type player with size and hands. Perfect world is we have either one of Cervenka or Hudler and a big body in place of the other..

Only change I'd make is swap Glencross with Stemps. The kids are gonna need someone with some size on that line, especially Baertschi. But I have a feeling different combos are going to be tried all season.

All in all not a bad lineup, looks like Stajan is done unless Jones is our 13th forward.

Only change I'd make is swap Glencross with Stemps. The kids are gonna need someone with some size on that line, especially Baertschi. But I have a feeling different combos are going to be tried all season.

All in all not a bad lineup, looks like Stajan is done unless Jones is our 13th forward.

I disagree with this one.

Its Hudler and Cervenka that are gonna need the size on their wing (both are generously listed around the 5'10'' mark). Plus Glencross will serve as the defensive anchor on that line, as well as infuse a little more speed to compensate for Hudlers lack there of.

On the 3rd line Backlund serves as the defensively responsible center while Stempniak has shown the ability to get into the corners and cycle the puck. Him and Baertschi together should also be good at creating offense on the rush.

This wont be a team that grinds you down, we will likely have to be a quick strike team that transitions quickly. With the skill we have at forward as well as the puckmovers on D if it click under Hartleys system we could have a good team, if not it will be a disaster.

let bartschi develop for another year... isn't he only like 19/20 years old?? No point in rushing him

There's nothing left for him to accomplish in the WHL at this point. Sure, he's AHL eligible so he could technically play in Abbotsford, but I'd prefer he use the first year of his professional contract with the Flames.